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Editor's Notebook |
The Times They Are a-Changin'
A major health insurance company and pharmacy chain have partnered to offer patients with type 2 diabetes access to a new diabetes control program. |
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Counseling Pearls |
Memantine for the Treatment of Migraine
In the U.S. alone, nearly 30 million people suffer from migraines, and the numbers are on the rise. This NMDA receptor antagonist, approved for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, shows promise as a prophylactic therapy for these severe headaches.
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Difficult-to-Dose Opioids and the Risk Evaluation Mitigation Strategy
On behalf of patient safety considerations, providers must receive the support for safely switching patients to and from oral fentanyl products. This could be accomplished with the upcoming implementation of the Risk Evaluation Mitigation Strategy (REMS) for opioids. |
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It's the Law |
Health Care Reform Legislation: Part I
The pharmacy industry will have many opportunities to benefit from the new federal regulations. |
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Clinical Corner |
Neuropathic Pain: A Review of Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy, a microvascular complication of diabetes, is one of the most common forms of neuropathic pain. It develops in 28% to 55% of patients with diabetes mellitus. Antidepressants, anticonvulsants, opioids, and topical agents are used in the treatment of this condition. |
The Role of Parenteral NSAIDs in Postoperative Pain Control
Postoperative pain that is not adequately relieved increases patient burden and the risk of subsequent complications, including the development of chronic pain syndromes. The anti-inflammatory drugs IVib and ketorolac tromethamine offer an effective alternative to opioids for acute pain management. |
 Bisphosphonate Nephrotoxicity Risks and Use in CKD Patients
Bisphosphonates, which are excreted via the kidneys, may accumulate in patients with diminished renal function. There have been several reports of acute renal toxicity with this class of drugs, which is used to treat osteoporosis. |
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Consult Your Pharmacist |
Self-Care Interventions for Back Pain
OTC treatments for this common condition include oral medications, topical external analgesic products, and thermotherapy. |
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Educational Spotlight |
An Overview of Glaucoma Management for Pharmacists
This chronic disease of the eye is characterized by progressive neuropathy of the optic nerve that can lead to irreversible blindness if untreated or inadequately treated. |
Exploring the Role of the Pharmacist in OTC PPI Use for Frequent Heartburn
Pharmacists should be familiar with the appropriate use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) available OTC in order to educate patients about self-treatment of frequent heartburn. |
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| Newswire |
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Pfizer Announces Additional Staff Reductions
New York, NY — Pfizer Inc. plans to cut about 6,000 jobs in the U.S. and overseas over the next 5 years in an effort to control manufacturing and operating costs."The restructuring of our global plant network is critical to our efforts to remain competitive," said Nat Ricciardi, global manufacturing president. Following its acquisition of Wyeth in October for $68 billion, the cuts are part of the company's larger plan to eliminate more than 19,000 jobs by the end of 2012. Since the deal, Pfizer has already laid off 6,900 workers, primarily in the U.S. Pfizer bought Wyeth to expand to its pipeline of biotechnology drugs and vaccines in anticipation of the patent expiration of Lipitor in 2011. The cholesterol-lowering statin had sales of $11.4 billion in 2009. |
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One in Four Children Take Medications for Chronic Conditions
Orlando, FL — According to the Medco 2010 Drug Trend Report, prescription drug use among children increased by 10.8% in 2009, which was nearly four times higher than the rise seen in the overall population. A corresponding analysis found that more than one in four insured children in the U.S. took at least one prescription drug to treat a chronic condition. The most substantial increases were seen in the use of antipsychotic, diabetes, and asthma medications since 2001. This alarming trend "points to the need for additional health education and lifestyle changes that can address the obesity issue that is likely a driving force behind such conditions as type 2 diabetes and even asthma," said Dr. Robert S. Epstein, Medco's chief medical officer and president of the Medco Research Institute. |
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Topical Antihistamine Should Not Be Swallowed
Rockville, MD — The FDA has received reports of serious side effects in people who have mistakenly swallowed the OTC product Benadryl Extra Strength Itch Stopping Gel. This product is only safe and effective when applied on the skin as directed. People swallowing the gel can ingest a dangerous amount of the active ingredient, diphenhydramine, which in large doses can result in unconsciousness, hallucinations, and confusion."Consumer confusion and incorrect product use are serious public health issues," said Carol Holquist, RPh, director of the FDA's Division of Medication Error Prevention and Analysis."FDA is advising consumers and pharmacies to store products for the skin separately from products that should be swallowed." To avoid confusion with its oral Benadryl products, the manufacturer, Johnson & Johnson, has added the prominent statement "For Skin Use Only" to the gel's label. |
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